It may be the first time England have trained together this year, but Gary Cahill believes the feelgood factor is still present around the Three Lions squad.

An excellent start to the 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign, which has drawn four wins from their four games to date, sees Roy Hodgson’s men sitting top of Group E.

Cahill keeps a close eye on Harry Kane

And Dronfield-born turned international defender, via Bramall Lane, Cahill, is looking forward to Friday’s meeting with Lithuania at Wembley.

“I think it’s still a feelgood factor from the results since from the summer,” he said.

“We meet up positive. We refreshed our memory that we’re playing well and going in the right direction so we’re looking forward to it. It’s been a big gap but we’re back together now and we’ve got a good ten days together to prepare for the two games.”

Cahill has also sung the praises of Harry Kane as the clamour builds for the Tottenham striker to be given his international bow on Friday.

Kane’s breakout season has been rewarded with his first senior call-up for the qualifier against Lithuania and Tuesday’s friendly in Italy.

Chelsea defender Cahill needs no reminders of Kane’s talents after the 21-year-old scored twice in Spurs’ 5-3 victory over the Blues on New Year’s Day. “He’s a real handful, a fantastic talent,” said Cahill.

“He’s not just somebody who can hold the ball up, he can run in behind, he’s got two good feet. For me he’s got all the attributes. To score a hat-trick leading to his first meet up, his confidence must be sky high at the minute and he’s had a terrific season. He’s a real top player.”

Kane has scored 29 goals in all competitions and 19 so far in his first full season in the Barclays Premier League, including a treble against Leicester on Saturday. Kane’s hopes of a debut this Friday were boosted by the injury-enforced withdrawal of Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge.

On whether Kane will be ready to start against Lithuania, Cahill added: “We’ve got four top strikers here, all champing at the bit to play, all good enough to play and Harry’s in that bracket. He’s in top form in that league and I’m sure that he feels he’s ready to play, but of course it’s down to the manager.”

Trending

Saxilby family who lived ‘lavish’ lifestyle convicted of modern slavery and fraud offences

Students are celebrating great A level results at Queen Elizabeth’s High School